Category: Pet Health

Recalls and Alerts: December 21–22, 2023

Here is today’s list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals, allergy alerts and miscellaneous compliance issues. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.

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“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.

“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:

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United States

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION: CDC is investigating 205 reports of suspected lead poisoning linked to Cinnamon Applesauce products. This includes 67 confirmed cases, 122 probable cases, and 16 suspect cases. Incidents under investigation have been identified in 33 states.

Public Health Advisory: FDA advises restaurants and food retailers not to serve or sell and to dispose of oysters and consumers not to eat oysters from Pacific Oyster Fanny Bay, harvested on 11/08/2023 from harvest area BC 14- 8 with Landfile # 1402294 and Oyster Malaspina Live, harvested on 11/09/2023 from harvest area BC 14-8 with Landfile # 278761 and shipped to distributors in Utah and Wisconsin because they may be contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni.

Allergy Alert: Astor Chocolate Corporation recalls Burnt Caramel Candy Bars (Lot 0101614649; Best by 12/11/2024; UPC 4099100202809) due to undeclared coconut.

Food Safety Recall: Scanga Meat Company recalls approximately 563 pounds of ground beef products due to possible E. coli O103 contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Pet Food Safety Recall: Blue Ridge Beef recalls Blue Ridge Beef brand Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix (2-lb plastic-wrapped tubes; All lot numbers and Best by dates from N24 1114 to N24 1224; UPC 8 54298 00101 6, 8 54298 00243 6, & 8 54298 00169 6, respectively) due to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

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Canada

OUTBREAK INVESTIGATION UPDATE: PHAC reports 7 deaths and 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella infections linked to contaminated cantaloupes from Mexico. Cases have been reported in British Columbia (18), Alberta (4), Ontario (21), Quebec (111), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Sixty-one (61) victims have been hospitalized. Additional cases are under investigation.

Food Safety Recall: GDE Grocery Delivery E-Services Canada Inc. recalls Factor brand Parmesan Pesto Chicken with Steamed Spinach, Roasted Green Beans & Grape Tomatoes (325g; Best before 2023 DE 25) due to possible undercooking.

Food Safety Recall: Industry recalls multiple brands of energy drinks due to  various non-compliances related to caffeine content and labelling requirements. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

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Europe

Allergy Alert (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of Buhara brand Kerrie Masala / Curry Masala (Lot 422832023; Best before 10/10/2025) due to undeclared mustard.

Allergy Alert (France): MONOPRIX HOLDING recalls MONOPRIX brand SAUMON DUO DE RIZ Petits pois / Salmon with rice and peas (300g; Lot 341 E341; Use by 18/01/2024) due to undeclared egg.

Allergy Alert (Netherlands): DekaMarkt recalls Gran Pavesi Crackers mais / Corn crackers (150g; All Best before dates), Gran Pavesi Crackers olive (150g; All Best before dates) and Gran Pavesi Crackers classic (180g; All Best before dates) due to undeclared gluten.

Allergy Alert (UK): Jumbo Midlands Ltd recalls Home Taste Suya Mix (80g; Batch code IAN0222SM; Best before end of April 2024) due to undeclared peanuts.

Allergy Alert (UK): Country Kitchen recalls Double Chocolate Chip Muffins (Best before 26 December 2023 and 2 January 2024) due to undeclared egg.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): dennree Naturkost GmbH recalls dennree Goji Beeren getrocknet / Dried goji berries (100g & 250g; Best before dates from 28.03.2024 – 21.07.2024 and 28.03.2024 – 18.07.2024, respectively) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Austria): Alnatura recalls Alnatura Gojibeeren / Goji berries (Best before dates from 04.07.2024 to 22.10.2024) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): AFSCA orders recall of various Isla Délice deli products due to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Cora recalls various Isla Délice deli products due to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination. Please refer to the recall notice for a complete list of affected products.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): Lidl Belgique recalls Saint Alby Selection brand pâté cuit au four, aux champignons des bois / Oven-cooked pâté with wild mushrooms (~150g; Use by 25/12/2023, 30/12/2023 & 01/01/2024) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Belgium): ISLA DELICE recalls ISLA DELICE brand SAVEURDELICE GOUT BŒUF (230g & 500g; Lots 33200015 & 33140007, respectively; Best before 14/05/2024 & 08/05/2024, respectively) and ISLA DELICE brand ID LES TRANCHETTES AUX OLIVES (10 slices / 120g; Lots 33340094 & 33350042; Best before 07/01/2024 & 08/01/2024, respectively) due to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): Industry recalls FONT SAINT HUILE 03 BEZENET brand LES FROMAGES FERMIERS AU LAIT CRU: BEZENET, TOMMES, DEMI-SECS / Raw milk farm cheeses (All lots) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): FROMAGERIE DE HYELZAS recalls FEDOU brand BRIQUE MEJEANNE Cheese (Lot 23.333.002; Best before 09/01/2024) due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): SAS FROMAGERIE DONSIMONI  recalls DONSIMONI brand PETIT BREBIS AU LAIT CRU / Raw sheep’s milk cheese (180g; Lot 140108; Best before 04/02/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): AUVERGNE VIANDE recalls AUVERGNE VIANDE brand Chorizo U / Sausage (Lot 47; Use by 21/01/2024) due to Salmonella contamination and possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LE FUMOIR SAS recalls saslefumoir brand Saumon fumé Norvège prétranché machine / Sliced smoked Norwegian salmon (1 kg; Lot 11173011; Use by 01/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ALDI CENTRALE D’ACHAT recalls REGAL AUX OLIVES HALAL / Sliced Halal deli meat with olives (120g; Lots 33320036 & 33350029; Use by 05/01/2024 & 08/01/2024, respectively) due to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): ALDI CENTRALE D’ACHAT recalls CACHIR GOUT BOEUF / Beef deli meat (500g; Lot 33170031; Use by 11/05/2024) due to possible Clostridium botulinum contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): DETA DISTRIBUTION E. Leclerc recalls E. Leclerc Bellaing brand Rillettes de saumon / Salmon patties (Lot 336; Use by 08/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): STEPADIS SUPER-U Villebois Lavalette recalls U brand Jambon cuit supérieur découenné dégraissé torchon / Boneless, rindless Superior cooked ham (Lot 01222044; Use by 20/12/2023) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): L’ATELIER DU FROMAGE recalls Saint-Nectaire AOP fermier – pré -emballé / Prewrapped farm-style cheese (Lots A33480084 & A33500041; Use by 27/12/2023 & 29/12/2023, respectively) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LOSFELD DISTRIBUTION recalls MORBIER LAIT CRU / Raw milk cheese (All lots; All Best before dates between 09/12/2023 and 09/01/2024) due to possible shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (France): LE VIEUX BOURG Fromagerie du lié recalls RondChon cheese (Lot S46; Best before 29/01/2024) due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbH recalls Alnatura Gojibeeren / Goji berries (100g; Best before dates from 04.07.2024 to 22.10.2024) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): BIO Company SE recalls BIO COMPANY Gojibeeren getrocknet / Dried goji berries (100g; Lot D308280; Best before 28.05.2024) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): dennree GmbH recalls dennree Goji-Beeren getrocknet / Dried goji berries (100g & 250g; Best before dates from 28.03.2024 – 21.07.2024 and 28.03.2024 – 18.07.2024, respectively) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Germany): Gärtner Carl recalls Hirschfleisch, verpackt / Packaged venison (Lot 31.10.2023; Best before 31.10.2024) due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Alnatura recalls Alnatura brand Baies de Goji / Goji berries (100g; Best before dates from 04.07.2024 to 22.10.2024) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Luxembourg): Cobolux Production SA recalls HACHE MELANGE LS / Mixed ground meat (Lot 20231204; Use by 10.12.2023) due to Salmonella contamination.

Food Safety Recall (Switzerland): Fromagerie Moléson SA recalls Le Duo des Gors brand Käse / cheese (180g; Lot 200223046242; Best before 06.01.2024) due to shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall (UK): Route des Terroirs recalls Morbier Maison Monts & Terroirs Chalet De Vevy Raw Cows’ Milk Cheese (All batch codes; All best before dates up to and including 24 January 2024) due to possible shiga toxin-producing E. coli contamination.

Australia and New Zealand

Food Safety Recall (Australia): Woolworths recalls Woolworths Shortcrust Summer Berry Mince Pies (6-pack; Best before 13/06/2024) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).

Food Safety Recall (New Zealand): Woolworths New Zealand Ltd recalls Woolworths brand Shortcrust Summer Berry Mince Pies (360g; Best before 12/06/2024 and 13/06/2024) due to possible foreign matter contamination (metal).

TAINTED formats 3
“Reads like a true crime novel” – Food Safety News

Interested in learning more about food safety and the history of foodborne disease outbreaks and investigations?

Click on the link to listen to a short excerpt, then follow the buy links to add a digital, print or audio copy to your personal library.

Chapter 6. Birth of a Pathogen

TAINTED is available in digital format from all major on-line retailers. Press the button to go directly to your preferred digital bookstore.

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Absence of pet food regulation puts Canadians and their pets at risk – Opinion

Pet foods “…are not a regulated commodity in Canada.”

According to a spokesperson with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the federal agency does not regulate the safety of domestic pet food.

As a result, the CFIA is sitting on the sidelines of the current investigation into an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Salmonella infections that has sickened forty individuals in six Canadian provinces since mid-2020 and sent thirteen of them to hospital.

Many of the outbreak victims are children under the age of five years.

Most of the illnesses have been linked to exposure to raw pet food or to dogs that were fed raw pet food. A few of the illnesses were linked to contact with cattle, particularly calves.

The outbreak strain was found in raw pet food from the home of one of the outbreak victims.

Even so, the CFIA has not initiated a food safety investigation, as no known food source meant for human consumption has been associated with the outbreak.

Canada’s non-existent pet food regulation

“Canadian pet food manufacturers and importers are responsible for the safety and hygiene of pet food, including recalling pet food when needed.” – CFIA spokesperson

Pet owners who want to “buy Canadian” must rely exclusively on so-called voluntary compliance to ensure the safety of the kibbled, canned, cooked or raw foods they feed their pets.

Those pet food manufacturers who are members of the Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) voluntarily follow the nutritional standards set out by the American Association of Feed Control Officials.

Although it is the policy of the PFAC that its members implement and follow a recognized food safety program, membership in this organization is completely voluntary. Most members companies are multinational.

Smaller, Canadian owned and operated pet food and pet treat manufacturers—including raw pet food manufacturers—are notable by their absence from the membership list.

Implications for human and animal health

Over and over again, consumers in Canada and the United States have been the victims of foodborne illness outbreaks as a result of contact with pet foods and pet treats.

When a pet food-related outbreak is detected and investigated in the United States and its source determined, the US Food and Drug Administration becomes directly involved in the investigation, including oversight of any product recalls.

In Canada, however, the CFIA only becomes directly involved in an outbreak investigation when it is clear that a food meant for human consumption is associated with the outbreak.

The CFIA does not conduct any investigation of pet foods or pet treats, even when they are identified as probable sources of human illness.

The CFIA does not inspect any pet food production facilities, even when the items produced there have been fingered as probable sources of human illness.

The CFIA does not oversee any recalls undertaken by pet food or pet treat manufacturers, even when these products have been identified as risks to human health.

This laissez-faire policy on the part of the Canadian government is reflected in the duration and magnitude of the current outbreak.

In short, when it comes to pet food safety, Canadian consumers and their companion animals are completely on their own.


“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.

“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:

Amazon
Apple
Audible
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Multiple kibble brands recalled for Salmonella

TFP Nutrition has expanded an earlier recall of dry dog food to include all dry dog, dry cat, and catfish formulas manufactured in their Nacogdoches, Texas, facility.

The expanded recall is due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The following dog food brands were recalled:

  • Country Acres
  • Exclusive Red Flannel
  • Exclusive Signature
  • H-E-B Texas Pets
  • Hill Country Fare
  • Lone Star
  • Member’s Mark
  • Retriever
  • Star Pro

The following cat food brands were recalled:

  • Country Acres
  • Economax
  • Exclusive Red Flannel
  • Exclusive Signature
  • Feline Medley
  • H-E-B Texas Pets
  • Multi-Cat
  • Meow For More
  • Paws & Claws
  • Star Pro Feline

The company also recalled Lone Star Floating Catfish Food.

All of the recalled products were manufactured between August 21, 2023 and November 12, 2023.

Access the complete list of recalled products, including information on where they were distributed.

TFP is a family-owned manufacturer of pet food and livestock feed, and has been in business since January 1930.

The company is working directly with retailers to ensure that all recalled products are removed from store shelves.

What consumers should know

Dogs can become infected with Salmonella after eating a contaminated product, including kibble.

Infected dogs may show symptoms that include lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some infected dogs may not show any symptoms at all, but may shed the bacteria in their stools nevertheless, potentially infecting other animals or humans.

People who become infected with Samonella may suffer from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, a Salmonella infection can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. 

Pet owners or other individuals who may have come into contact with the recalled product should monitor themselves and their animals for symptoms of Salmonella infection, and should consult their veterinarian or healthcare professional (as appropriate) if any of these symptoms appear.

How to report a pet illness

People who think their pets have become ill after consuming contaminated pet food should first contact their veterinarians. Veterinarians who wish to have pets tested for Salmonella may do so through the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN Network) if the pet is from a household with a person infected with Salmonella. 

The FDA encourages consumers to report complaints about pet food products electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal or by calling their state’s FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

TOXIC

From Factory To Food Bowl
PET FOOD IS A RISKY BUSINESS

Available from all major on-line retailers, including:

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Enjoy the slideshow as you listen to a sample of TOXIC, narrated by the author.

“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.